This academic year is the 75th academic year of the Philosophy Department’s existence and the 55th academic year since the junior sequence in Logic, History and Philosophy of Science was introduced at Briggs. This talk is about the history of philosophy of science at MSU – from the initiation of the department until roughly 2000. It will examine the relationships among Briggs, Philosophy and other unites in developing philosophy of science as well as the contributions of MSU to the institutions supporting philosophy of science on the national scene.

Peter D. Asquith, Professor Emeritus, was hired in 1969 as one of the initial faculty to teach in that Briggs junior year sequence in the Logic. History and Philosophy of Science. He held a joint appointment with Briggs and Philosophy until 1990 when he became Chair of Philosophy. He was an active participant in the activities to expand Science Studies at MSU, develop a curriculum that would actually engage the students while accomplishing what the Briggs planners had intended as well as coordinate among the various unites with interests in philosophy of science.

In 1971, he was elected Secretary of the Philosophy of Science Associations – joining others at MSU who held leaderships roles in the Association – Lewis Zerby and Gerald Massey who had also held the office of Secretary previously and Richard Rudner who served as editor-in-chief of the journal Philosophy of Science. Peter held that position till 1996 giving him a first hand look at the institutional development of Philosophy of Science in the 1970’s, 80’s and early 90’s.

Zoom:

https://msu.zoom.us/j/99329403867
Passcode: 07201925